Waldorf Bus Accident Lawyers

Aggressively Advocating for Injured Victims Since 1978

Like large truck accidents, bus accidents tend to result in some of the most severe, life-altering injuries. Due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles, buses can cause significant destruction when they collide with other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. For both bus passengers and others involved in the accident, these collisions are incredibly devastating. All too often, victims die as a result of their injuries.

At Farmer & Klopfer, we understanding the severe nature of bus accidents, which is why we work to build strong cases on behalf of victims and their loved ones. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation you are owed for both your current losses and your future damages. Throughout the process, you can rely on our Waldorf bus accident lawyers to advocate tirelessly for you. In our 42+ years in practice, our firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Find out how we can help you, too.

Contact our firm online via our online request form or call us at (301) 265-2220 to get started with a free initial consultation. 

Types of Bus Accident Claims We Handle

Our firm is capable of handling all types of bus accident claims, including those involving public and private buses. We understand the complexities involved in taking on private charter bus companies, municipal entities, and educational institutions—and we know how to win.

Our Waldorf bus accident attorneys can assist you if you were involved in a bus accident involving any of the following types of vehicles:

• Municipal/intercity buses
• Charter buses
• School buses
• Shuttles
• Mini buses
• Special needs shuttles/buses
• Motor coaches
• Tour buses
• Double-decker buses

We represent injured bus passengers, as well as third-party victims, such as motorists and occupants of other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians who become involved in devastating bus accidents. Regardless of how you were involved, our firm can stand up for your rights and work to recover the compensation you are owed.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, some of which are common across different incidents. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

• Driver Error: This is one of the most common causes of bus accidents. Examples include speeding, distracted driving (e.g., texting or using a phone while driving), fatigue, aggressive driving, and failure to obey traffic laws.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, ice, fog, or strong winds can reduce visibility and traction, making it more difficult for bus drivers to maintain control of the vehicle.
• Mechanical Failures: Defective parts, poor maintenance, or inadequate inspection of buses can lead to mechanical failures such as brake failure, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or engine problems, resulting in accidents.
• Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, potholes, uneven surfaces, and debris on the road can contribute to accidents, especially if drivers fail to adjust their driving behavior accordingly.
• Driver Fatigue: Long hours of driving without adequate rest can lead to driver fatigue, impairing judgment, reaction times, and overall driving performance, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Bus drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a significant risk to passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles on the road.
• Unsafe Lane Changes and Turns: Improper lane changes, sudden lane merges, and failure to signal when turning can lead to collisions with other vehicles, especially in congested traffic conditions.
• Pedestrian and Cyclist Incidents: Accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists may occur when bus drivers fail to yield the right of way, disobey traffic signals, or fail to see pedestrians and cyclists in blind spots.
• Inexperienced or Inadequately Trained Drivers: Lack of experience or inadequate training in handling large vehicles like buses can result in poor decision-making, improper maneuvering, and increased likelihood of accidents.
• Overloading: Overloading a bus with passengers or cargo beyond its capacity can affect the vehicle's stability, braking distance, and maneuverability, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly during sudden stops or turns.
• Intentional Acts: In rare cases, bus accidents may occur due to intentional acts such as vandalism, terrorism, or hijacking.

Who is Liable for a Bus Accident in Maryland?

In Maryland, liability for a bus accident can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the incident. Here are some parties that could potentially be held liable:

• Bus Driver: If the accident occurred due to the negligence or recklessness of the bus driver, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, the driver could be held liable.
• Bus Company: The company that owns or operates the bus may also be held liable for the accident. This could be due to factors such as inadequate maintenance of the bus, failure to properly train drivers, or negligence in hiring drivers with a history of traffic violations or unsafe driving behavior.
• Government Entities: If the accident was caused by hazardous road conditions, such as poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage, the government entity responsible for maintaining those roads could be held liable. In Maryland, this could include the State Highway Administration, county governments, or municipal authorities.
• Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure of the bus, such as brake failure or tire blowout, the manufacturer of the bus or the company responsible for maintaining it could be held liable for product defects or negligent maintenance.
• Other Drivers: In some cases, liability for a bus accident may rest with another driver involved in the collision. For example, if a car driver ran a red light and collided with the bus, causing the accident, that driver could be held liable for the damages.
• Third Parties: Liability may also extend to third parties such as contractors responsible for construction zones or entities responsible for traffic control devices if their negligence contributed to the accident.

Determining liability in a bus accident case often involves a thorough investigation to gather evidence, such as witness statements, police reports, surveillance footage, and expert analysis of the accident scene and vehicle conditions. Additionally, Maryland follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if the injured party is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced proportionally to their degree of fault, but they may still be entitled to recover damages.

Seeking Compensation for All of Your Damages

Because bus accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, victims will typically require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care. In some cases, they may even require lifelong care. They may be confined to wheelchairs and need to make modifications to their homes to accommodate this. They may require multiple surgeries and other serious treatments, as well as physical and/or cognitive rehabilitation therapy. All of this is expensive enough on its own, but victims will also often be unable to return to work temporarily or permanently, further affecting their finances.

At Farmer & Klopfer, we understand the immense, far-reaching impact bus accidents have on victims and their families. To that end, we work to prove the full, true extent of our clients damages and, from there, to advocate for their maximum recoveries.

If you or someone you love was involved in a bus accident in Waldorf or the surrounding areas, contact our firm today at (301) 265-2220 for a free consultation.